Chicago – The Working Mom's Travelshttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com
Career, family, and travel all are possible.Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:26:22 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.5Expanding Your Horizons Chicago: Empowering young women to pursue careers in STEMhttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/expanding-your-horizons-chicago/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/expanding-your-horizons-chicago/#commentsMon, 26 Feb 2018 12:00:02 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=6391I am honored and happy to announce that I am a media partner for this year’s Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) event in Chicago! EYH is a nationally recognized STEM education program for middle school girls that will be returning to Chicago on March 24, 2018, for the sixth year in a row. EYH aims to combat […]

]]>I am honored and happy to announce that I am a media partner for this year’s Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) event in Chicago!

EYH is a nationally recognized STEM education program for middle school girls that will be returning to Chicago on March 24, 2018, for the sixth year in a row. EYH aims to combat the gender stereotypes surrounding science that often arise at an early age. Girls attending EYH Chicago will participate in a day-long symposium of workshops that provide them with hands-on experiences in STEM and inspire them to become innovative and creative thinkers.

EYH is not exactly travel-related, so why did I agree to become a media partner?

There are a couple of reasons. First, I am the mom of one nerdtastic almost-9-year-old girl. On her own, my daughter has developed a genuine interest in and passion for science and engineering. At age 4, she was talking about creating “blueprints” for her father to build a backyard play fort! I would be doing my daughter a disservice by not fostering her love of STEM. I’d also be doing other young ladies and their families a disservice by not using my platform to share information about this incredible event.

My other reason for taking on this role as media partner is actually travel-related. An experience like EYH will help to increase the confidence of these young ladies. As they learn more about the scientific and natural world, there’s a good chance that, as a byproduct, they will develop an interest in travel. Or, travel may be necessary for their chosen STEM professions. One thing I’ve learned through my years of travel is that it both requires and builds confidence. The EYH experience will get these future globetrotting young ladies well on their way.

More information about EYH Chicago 2018

EYH will take place at the Univesity of Chicago in Hyde Park. Attendees can choose from 24 different workshops. They can try their hand at activities like isolating DNA from a banana, constructing a simple speaker system, designing a sustainable home, or navigating robots through a maze. Each workshop is led by a female STEM professional from the Chicagoland area, and the girls will also pair up with female mentors who accompany them between workshops. “Our goal is to offer young women from diverse backgrounds opportunities to access positive, hands-on experiences with women currently working in STEM,” said Laura Manning, co-director of EYH Chicago. “Having those role models are crucial, and we aim to provide that in a fun, welcoming environment.”

Two keynote speakers will kick off the 2018 conference: Dr. Enid Montague, a professor at DePaul and Northwestern Universities; and Corlis D. Murray, a veteran of Abbott Laboratories. Both will speak to the girls about careers in STEM. Dr. Montague studies healthcare systems and the importance of patient-centered care. Dr. Murray is an advocate for underrepresented students.

EYH Chicago also hosts a program for parents that runs concurrently with the symposium. Parents may attend a series of panels that cover high school and college prep, extracurricular activities, and career opportunities in STEM. Additionally, parents will take part in two workshops of their own, allowing them to see what their daughters have been up to all day!

Registration for EYH Chicago is now open to all students from Chicago Public Schools and eligible charter schools. Check the registration page for more information.

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/expanding-your-horizons-chicago/feed/1Chicago family staycation at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotelhttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/chicago-family-staycation-renaissance-chicago-ohare-suites-hotel/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/chicago-family-staycation-renaissance-chicago-ohare-suites-hotel/#commentsThu, 21 Sep 2017 07:34:05 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=6176I’ve said for years that Chicago is an exceptional place for travelers to live. With its diversity, top-notch art and entertainment, and world-class museums, Chicago residents like myself can “travel” without even leaving the city. Sometimes day trips to different neighborhoods quench the travel thirst. Other times, you just need an overnight staycation to really […]

]]>I’ve said for years that Chicago is an exceptional place for travelers to live. With its diversity, top-notch art and entertainment, and world-class museums, Chicago residents like myself can “travel” without even leaving the city. Sometimes day trips to different neighborhoods quench the travel thirst. Other times, you just need an overnight staycation to really make it feel like you’ve traveled someplace new. A perfect place to do just that is Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel.

Suites

The newly renovated suites at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel work well for families, couples, and even solo travelers. I shared a 1-bedroom, 2-room suite with my 8-year-old daughter and her friend. My daughter and I shared the king bed in the private bedroom; her friend slept on the pull-out sofa in the living room. The bathroom has two doors: one to the bedroom, and one to the living room. Both doors lock from the inside to ensure privacy. There is a television in the bedroom as well as a sizable closet. In the living room, there is a larger television, the aforementioned sleeper sofa, over-sized chair, and a desk with ample work space (or “play space”, in our situation). The suite really was an ideal set-up for the three of us.

Hotel amenities and features

The expansive lobby of Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel has an inviting, subtle sophistication to it. The modern design of the furniture makes you want to just sit down and relax for a while. There’s even one section of the lobby – a nook, if you will, but larger – where I could see myself sitting for hours, reading and drinking coffee (or cocktails, if we’re being realistic), if I were there without kids.

“The Nook”

With four dining options, there is no need to leave the hotel for meals. Asado Urban Grill, the hotel’s “new elevated casual restaurant”, has all three meals of the day covered. Breakfast options include buffet, continental, and full-fare. As for lunch and dinner, the Southwest-influenced menus are diverse enough to appeal to an array of tastes. I thoroughly enjoyed the blackened mahi-mahi tacos and cilantro rice, and loved the Watergate craft cocktail even more (I’d have had a few more but I was responsible for two children, one of whom doesn’t even belong to me). Speaking of cocktails, another dining option is R Bar, the hotel’s lobby bar, which serves inventive cocktails like the Watergate, local craft beers, and small bites. If it’s a snack, a coffee, or a sweet treat you’re after, the in-house Starbucks and The Market have just what you need.

Aside from food, the most important hotel amenity, as far as the kids are concerned, is the pool, right? They will not be disappointed by Renaissance Chicago O’Hare’s pool. It’s large enough that it won’t feel like all the kids are on top of one another and they all have enough room to jump, play, and splash. On the same note, the adults will not be disappointed by the adjacent hot tub.

Location

As I previously mentioned, a stay at Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel can make you feel as if you’ve traveled someplace new. One of the big reasons is that, despite technically being located in Chicago, it’s well outside of the downtown area, just 3.5 miles from O’Hare International Airport. The hotel’s proximity to the airport also makes it an excellent option for travelers who need a place to stay the night(s) before or after a flight out of or into O’Hare. The hotel does offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

Chicago family staycation itinerary ideas

On the way to, from, or during your staycation, here are some area attractions worth considering:

Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont. It’s the place for family fun! Catch a movie and a meal at AMC Dine-In, do indoor skydiving at iFly, or eat some schnitzel at Hofbräuhaus! On the way to Renaissance Chicago O’Hare for our staycation, the kids and I stopped at MB Financial Park for lunch and a little bowling at Kings.

Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview. Approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel, Kohl is home to 17 permanent exhibits. Almost everything at the museum is interactive and hands-on. My kids love Kohl Children’s Museum so we dropped by before heading from our staycation and caught the Science + You temporary exhibit near the end of its run.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. Approximately 30 minutes by car from the hotel, Chicago Botanic Garden is a living plant museum. The Garden is actually made up of 27 distinct gardens, covering a total of 385 acres. Open 365 days a year, Chicago Botanic Garden hosts seasonal events, art exhibitions, and flower shows.

Much thanks to Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel for hosting my daughter, her friend, and me for our overnight staycation. Thanks, also, to Kohl Children’s Museum for the complimentary passes. All opinions, as always, are 100% my own.

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/chicago-family-staycation-renaissance-chicago-ohare-suites-hotel/feed/10Introducing Radio Flyer Adventure Travel Agencyhttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/introducing-radio-flyer-adventure-travel-agency/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/introducing-radio-flyer-adventure-travel-agency/#commentsThu, 16 Mar 2017 03:02:08 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=5958To celebrate “100 years of imagination on wheels”, Radio Flyer is opening the first-ever travel agency for kids! More than ever, kids’ creative freedom and imagination are being limited by a world of structured play. Radio Flyer is in the business of imagination. For 100 years, Radio Flyer has provided vehicles that run on imagination. […]

]]>To celebrate “100 years of imagination on wheels”, Radio Flyer is opening the first-ever travel agency for kids!

More than ever, kids’ creative freedom and imagination are being limited by a world of structured play. Radio Flyer is in the business of imagination. For 100 years, Radio Flyer has provided vehicles that run on imagination. For one day, on March 18th, Radio Flyer will open the first-ever travel agency for kids, Radio Flyer Adventure Travel, a centennial celebration that will take kids to unbelievable destinations.

Radio Flyer Adventure Travel Agency specializes in imaginary destinations that can only be reached with Radio Flyer vehicles. Some of the more popular destinations include Mount Puppy, Planet of Evil Unicorns, and Cotton Candy Swamp. Travel agents will help kids find their perfect dream adventure and the Radio Flyer vehicle that can take them there. Like all travel agencies, passports, itineraries, and travel essentials will be provided.

Families and kids of all ages are invited to visit the pop-up agency and experience the adventure of a lifetime! Details are as follows:

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/introducing-radio-flyer-adventure-travel-agency/feed/1Hometown travel with Go Chicago Cardhttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/hometown-travel-go-chicago-card-plus-giveaway/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/hometown-travel-go-chicago-card-plus-giveaway/#commentsSat, 11 Feb 2017 23:46:47 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=5899With school-age children and full-time jobs, our family is not able to travel long term or for as long as might want to. We maximize our time off by planning trips as our work and school schedules allow, but how do we satiate our wanderlust in the meantime? Easy: hometown travel. It’s a term I came […]

]]>With school-age children and full-time jobs, our family is not able to travel long term or for as long as might want to. We maximize our time off by planning trips as our work and school schedules allow, but how do we satiate our wanderlust in the meantime? Easy: hometown travel. It’s a term I came up with years back, synonymous with “being a tourist in your hometown”. My family and I try to take part in some hometown travel every chance we get and, living in Chicago, we have myriad options. A few months ago I was introduced to Go City Card, a division of Smart Destinations, which offers multi-attraction passes in top destinations, including Chicago. They asked if I’d be interested in trying out the Go Chicago Card and I thought, “Hey, that means hometown travel for the family and me!” How could I say no?

In addition to Chicago, Go City Cards are available in Boston, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Oahu, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. There are two types of Go City Cards to choose from: the All-Inclusive and the Explorer. The All-Inclusive allows you to choose from a number of attractions as you go (varies by city; in Chicago, there are 26). You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 5-day passes. The Explorer pass is different in that you choose the number of attractions to visit (3, 4, or 5) and you have 30 days from the time of activation to use the pass. Again, the overall number of attractions to choose from varies by city; in Chicago, there are 25 eligible attractions to visit with the Explorer pass. In my opinion, the All-Inclusive is better for travelers who are visiting a city for a certain number of days, whereas the Explorer is more suitable for residents of a destination city who will have more time to use the pass to its fullest. Since I live in Chicago and my time to use the passes isn’t limited to a few days, I chose the 3-attraction Explorer pass for my family and me. The passes are convenient to use, regardless of which option you decide on. You can receive a link to your passes via email, which you can then download to your smartphone. No worrying about forgetting the tickets at home!

Our first visit with the Explorer passes was to the Adler Planetarium. As far as I’m concerned, the Planetarium is the city’s most underrated museum. My kids had visited twice before and when I asked them if they’d like to return to use the Explorer pass, they jumped up and down and cheered, “Yes!” With the Explorer pass, we were granted admission to all exhibits and an unlimited number of shows, which normally are at an additional cost to regular admission. The highlight of our day definitely was the Destination Solar System show. It is a wildly fun and interactive experience that takes place in the year 2096, and takes visitors on a quick trip around the solar system with Space Express Tours. My kids, ages 7 and 3, and I loved it, but it was a bit intense for my 2-year-old nephew. My sister had to leave the theater with him because he was so scared, so keep that in mind if visiting with younger children.

The kids at Adler Planetarium waiting for “ONE WORLD, ONE SKY: BIG BIRD’S ADVENTURE” to start!

We have two attractions left to visit with the Explorer pass and I’m going to use the opportunity to finally get to Robie House, a place I have wanted to visit for years but just haven’t quite made it there. As for the 3rd attraction, I’ll leave that up to the kids.

Now, here is the best part of the whole deal: I have two Go City Cards to give away to one lucky reader! For your chance to win two 2-day All-Inclusive passes OR two 3- or 4-choice Explorer passes, just leave a comment on this blog post below, telling us in which city you’d like to use the Go City Cards (this step is mandatory in order to be eligible for the prizes). Then follow the instructions included in the widget below for additional entries. The timing of this giveaway couldn’t be more perfect, since many families are now planning their spring break travels. Perhaps your adventures will take you to one of the cities where Go City Cards are available, or you live in one of the cities and want to play tourist in your hometown just as I did. Either way, be sure to enter by 11:59pm CST on Saturday, February 18, 2017. The winner will be contacted via email so be sure to include a valid email address. Good luck!

I received 4 complimentary 3-choice Explorer passes from Smart Destinations for the purpose of a review and promotional giveaway. All thoughts and words, as always, are my own.

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/hometown-travel-go-chicago-card-plus-giveaway/feed/18Anniversary Giveaway #2: All About Chicago!https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/giveaway-chicago-cubs-museums/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/giveaway-chicago-cubs-museums/#commentsSun, 28 Feb 2016 16:39:05 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=5264When I hosted the 5-year anniversary giveaway in January to thank my readers and supporters, I hinted that there would be a part 2. I’m happy to say that it’s finally here! Thanks to wonderful partners and fantastic friends, I have not one, but TWO more incredible prize packs to give away. Both prize packs in […]

]]>When I hosted the 5-year anniversary giveaway in January to thank my readers and supporters, I hinted that there would be a part 2. I’m happy to say that it’s finally here! Thanks to wonderful partners and fantastic friends, I have not one, but TWO more incredible prize packs to give away.

Both prize packs in Giveaway #2 have everything to do with my beloved hometown, Chicago. Whether you’re coming to Chicago for Spring Break, plan to visit during the summer, or have been looking for a reason to make your first trip to the Windy City, you’ll want to pay attention.

Prize Pack #1: Magnificent Museums

4 tickets to The Field Museum. This natural history museum is one of my favorites! It’s home to SUE the T. rex, as well as to world-class permanent and temporary exhibits, like Inside Ancient Egypt and Cyrus Tang Hall of China. If visiting with the little ones, definitely allow them to explore and discover at The Crown Family PlayLab!

4 tickets to Chicago History Museum. Often hidden in the shadows of Chicago’s bigger museums, the Chicago History Museum is a must-visit for Chicago residents and is a fun stop for travelers to Chicago. The kids will have a blast in the Konen Family Children’s Gallery, including the “Sensing Chicago” exhibition, where visitors are encouraged to use their five senses to “explore Chicago, uncover the past, and discover that history is all around” us.

Prize Pack #2: Baseball And Beer

4 tickets to a 2016 Chicago Cubs home game. As a lifelong Cubs fan, I’m accustomed to saying, “Wait til next year.” Well, this year just may be THE year according to baseball experts and passionate fans. How awesome would it be to attend a game during a potential championship year in beautiful, historic Wrigley Field? (Multiple dates to choose from)

Cubs and Pubs: Wrigleyville Taverns tour with History On Tap. My longtime friend, fellow Cubs fanatic, and beer expert, Liz Garibay, is the one-woman show behind History On Tap. Wanting to combine a love for pubs, beer, and history, Liz created History On Tap in 2002 to explore Chicago’s past through its great breweries and saloons. Liz has taken it to another level by combining those passions with her love of the Cubs to create this tavern tour centered around The Friendly Confines.

One winner will be chosen at random for each prize pack (so, two winners total). To enter, follow the instructions in the widget below. Please note that leaving a comment on THIS BLOG POST is MANDATORY. Please indicate in your comment which of the prize packs you’d like most. If you don’t have a preference and would be happy with either, state that, as well. Should you be chosen a winner, what you indicate in your comment will determine which prize you’re awarded. Be sure to include an email address that you actually check, since it’s what I’ll use to contact you if you’re a winner. Lastly, the entry period closes on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 11:59pm CST.

Thanks again for five years of support and encouragement, and GOOD LUCK!

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/giveaway-chicago-cubs-museums/feed/31The Guesthouse Hotel: Boutique accommodations in Chicago for familieshttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/guesthouse-hotel-chicago/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/guesthouse-hotel-chicago/#commentsMon, 15 Feb 2016 15:03:59 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=5222Since I have lived in Chicago my entire life and know the city quite well, I’m often asked for my suggestions on where to go, where to eat, and where to stay in the city. My standard answer is, “If you want to experience REAL Chicago, you need to get into the neighborhoods.” One neighborhood […]

]]>Since I have lived in Chicago my entire life and know the city quite well, I’m often asked for my suggestions on where to go, where to eat, and where to stay in the city. My standard answer is, “If you want to experience REAL Chicago, you need to get into the neighborhoods.” One neighborhood I often recommend is Andersonville. Located fewer than ten miles north of The Loop, it’s one of my favorite areas in all of Chicago. Now I have even more reason to suggest Andersonville to travelers: the addition of The Guesthouse Hotel, a Select Registry property. The Guesthouse Hotel was named one of Chicago’s best new hotels in 2014 and, after staying there recently with my family, I can definitely understand why. The boutique hotel has all the amenities you would expect from a luxury property and, with only 25 units, it’s a decidedly intimate and personal environment.

The property consists of two adjoining buildings. The ten units in the original building were intended to be luxury condominiums. The owners instead decided to convert them to vacation rentals and, a few years later, constructed the second building next door with 15 additional units, the lobby, a library, a club room, retail space, a business center, and a gym. In 2014, The Guesthouse Hotel was born.

I knew I was going to love The Guesthouse Hotel before we even arrived. As I browsed the hotel’s website, I came across the “kids” section and saw that there are DVDs, DVD players, board games, and playing cards available for families to use, for free, during their stay. Then I discovered the “kids’ menu“, an extensive list of items for traveling families to use for the duration of their stay. Things like baby monitors, high chairs, strollers, and Baby Bjorns are available at no charge. We requested ahead of time to have a folding crib in our suite for my toddler, as well as a bathing kit, which the kids loved. The bathing kit is a Rubbermaid container filled with all kinds of bath toys, a bath spout, child-size towels and wash cloths, and even a kneeling pad for parents. It was immediately clear to me that The Guesthouse Hotel isn’t just family friendly; it completely caters to families. The wonderful hotel staff proved this to be true during our stay.

We stayed in a two-bedroom suite on the third floor. From the time we arrived until the time we opened the door to the suite, everything said “hotel”. But as soon as we walked into the suite, everything said “home”. It was like no other hotel accommodation we’ve ever had. Even 6-year-old Lucia said, “This is not a regular hotel room!” The kids immediately ran down the hallway, through the gourmet kitchen and the living room, to the sliding glass doors leading to the spacious, protected balcony. Even though it was cold and snowing, the kids enjoyed standing out there watching the snow fall and the traffic below. I could see that balcony being a favorite spot in warmer weather – there’s even a gas grill! But back to that gourmet kitchen… I fantasized about remodeling my kitchen at home to look like the one in our suite. It’s very modern with stainless steel appliances and all the accessories and necessities you can think of. Once we were able to tear the kids away from the balcony, they noticed the special items left on the kitchen counter for them by hotel staff. There were coloring books, crayons, and even travel journals for them to keep. This little gesture officially won me over.

The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a walk-in closet that is as big as my son’s bedroom at home. Seriously, I was in love. The second bedroom has a queen bed and generous closet space, as well. There was enough space in that second bedroom for us to put the folding crib so both kids could sleep in the same room. The second bathroom has a full tub (that’s where the kids played for quite some time with the toys from the bathing kit) and is situated right next to the second bedroom. It’s an optimal set-up for traveling families. Everyone can enjoy the comforts of home and still have separate space and privacy.

The suite itself was fantastic but my favorite part of the hotel was the library. It’s the type of space I dream of having in my house one day when I grow up. My nerd child was super excited about it, as well, even asking hotel staff if there were any books about Abraham Lincoln. Veronica, one of the lovely hotel staff members we met, took the time to look through the children’s book collection to find something – anything – related to Abraham Lincoln. Sure enough, she found a story about Honest Abe in one of the books and it truly made Lucia’s day. There’s a giant trunk in a corner of the library that looks like a treasure chest. Kids will think they did find treasure when they open it, as there are all kinds of toys for them to use. They can play with the toys there in the library, bring them up to their rooms, or spread out and play in the adjoining club room. Some boutique or luxury hotels may frown upon such activity but at The Guesthouse Hotel it is welcomed.

And the club room… oh my. I spent a great deal of time relaxing on the couch while Lucia hung out in the library. It gave me a chance to appreciate the Chicago-focused and local art adorning the walls, as well as the complimentary coffee and tea.

The Guesthouse Hotel’s mantra is “live like a local”. Guests are encouraged to get out and explore Andersonville. Back at the hotel, the notion is taken a few steps further. At The Collection, the hotel’s in-house boutique, you will find products and items only from Chicago designers and artists. The hotel has relationships with area markets to provide guests locally-produced foods, baked goods, and even adult beverages, all of which can be delivered directly to your suite.

In addition to all this awesome, The Guesthouse Hotel also offers complimentary parking in individual, secured garage spaces (if you have a giant SUV like we do, you’ll get an uncovered parking space). And the icing on the cake: free and reliable WiFi.

We were sad when it was time to depart The Guesthouse Hotel. We all enjoyed our stay immensely. It was just fun and comfortable. I’m not the only one who was won over. I had to promise Lucia that we will try to stay there again.

My family and I were hosted by The Guesthouse Hotel and Select Registry. As always, all words and opinions are my own.

PIN FOR LATER!

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/guesthouse-hotel-chicago/feed/18Summer family hometown travel in Chicagohttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/summer-family-hometown-travel-in-chicago/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/summer-family-hometown-travel-in-chicago/#commentsFri, 14 Aug 2015 10:03:48 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=4722What does a Chicago-based traveling family do when they have no summer travel plans? They become tourists in their own city – or do a lot of “hometown travel“, as I call it. That’s what this week has been all about. The guilt was setting in because my kids weren’t going to have the typical […]

]]>What does a Chicago-based traveling family do when they have no summer travel plans? They become tourists in their own city – or do a lot of “hometown travel“, as I call it. That’s what this week has been all about. The guilt was setting in because my kids weren’t going to have the typical summer vacation. Therefore, I’m trying to pack in as much fun and culture before Lucia has to go back to school (FIRST GRADE!) after Labor Day. Well then, what have we done so far?

CrEATefest

Our week started out making art, grooving to live music, and devouring delicious bites from some of Chicago’s top food trucks at CrEATefest. The event was designed and hosted by Changing Worlds, a Chicago educational arts non-profit, and held at the gorgeous Bridgeport Art Center (think old factory building repurposed to house a sleek, modern art and event space). Lucia spent hours going from one art station to another, creating works of art like paper sculptures and color-bled self portraits. As we were leaving, Lucia asked me, with optimism in her voice, “Is this festival going to happen every year?” That tells me that CrEATefest was a success.

TIP: Plan ahead and attend a 3rd Friday Open Studio at Bridgeport Art Center. On the third Friday of every month, resident artists open their spaces to the public for Q&A, light refreshments, and the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind art pieces.

My proud Girl Scout

Scout Night at Wrigley Field

When your proud Girl Scout Daisy overhears that the Chicago Cubs are hosting a Scout Night promotion, during which Girl Scouts in attendance will receive a special Cubs-themed patch, you kind of have to get tickets to the game. That’s how Lucia and I ended up at Wrigley Field to see the Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers. It didn’t exactly pain me to go to the game; I’m a lifelong, die-hard Cubs fan. I was more than thrilled to take my daughter to only her second Cubs game ever, and the fact that she was so excited to get a new Girl Scout patch just warmed my heart. It’s hard to beat a night game at Wrigley, when the temperature is perfect, there are no clouds in the sky, and the Cubs are in the midst of a 7-game winning streak! Alas, my little Girl Scout didn’t even make it until the end of the fourth inning, but she got her patch and she was happy. That’s all I needed.

TIP: If driving to a Cubs’ night or weekend game (Saturday or Sunday), park in the Cubs’ remote parking lot at 3900 North Rockwell. There are shuttles that run to and from the parking area and Wrigley Field for two hours before game time and up until one hour after the game ends. The best part? You’ll save yourself lots of headaches and lots of money because the parking and the round-trip shuttle are all free.

The Field Museum

My family was invited to attend “Unearth Day”, a special celebration in honor of The Field Museum’s most famous resident, Sue the T-Rex. We were there to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sue’s unearthing from a fossil field in South Dakota, making her the most complete T-Rex specimen ever found. The party involved crafts, cake, an insect and reptile demonstration, and even a special appearance by Sue herself. After the party, we explored the museum a bit more, my attention focused on the special Vikings exhibit (I’m only slightly obsessed with Vikings). There is an abundance of information and artifacts contained in that exhibit and I’m going to have to make a return trip to the museum to go through it all one more time.

TIP: Did you know you can have your child’s birthday party at The Field Museum, much like the Unearth Day party? I never knew this was possible! There are a number of different party packages available and museum staff will even custom design a celebration for you. Guess who now wants to have her 7th birthday party there…

Adler Planetarium

Lucia has been asking to go to the Adler Planetarium since last year, mainly because she wanted answers to why Pluto lost its status as a planet. (She’s been quite upset about the downgrading of Pluto for some time.) I figured since we’d be at The Field Museum and the Planetarium is, like, RIGHT THERE, it would be silly to not totally nerd out and hit both museums in the same day. Once we entered Adler Planetarium and Lucia and Anthony discovered Planet Explorers, an interactive exhibit/play area for children, Pluto became a distant memory (poor Pluto, getting dissed again). We were able to take in one show, “Earth, Moon & Sun”, and check out a couple of exhibits before Anthony reached his expiration (read: way overdue for a nap). Sadly, we left the Planetarium but not before we agreed that space IS freaking awesome!

3, 2, 1 Blast Off to Planet X

TIP: When visiting Adler Planetarium (or any of the world-class institutions on Museum Campus), save a few bucks by packing a lunch and having a picnic along the lakefront (weather permitting, of course). Just don’t feed the seagulls!

Festa Italiana

Ah, Festa Italiana, the ultimate event for our proud Italian-American family. It’s when we head back to “the old neighborhood” and catch up with childhood friends and relatives we don’t see very often. Oh, we simultaneously gorge ourselves on delectable Italian food, desserts, and drinks. Sunday, the last day of the festival, is our family day. We bring the kids and watch with delight as they enjoy the Italian music and dancers (and gelato), and even participate in a little tarantella.

TIP: Wear comfy shoes and loose pants!

I guess we don’t have to travel far in order to have meaningful, cultural experiences. Would you agree?

My family and I received complimentary admission to CrEATefest, The Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium, but the fun we had was completely genuine, as are my words and opinions – as always.

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/summer-family-hometown-travel-in-chicago/feed/14St. Joseph’s Day in Chicago: An Italian-American traditionhttps://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/st-josephs-day-in-chicago-an-italian-american-tradition/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/st-josephs-day-in-chicago-an-italian-american-tradition/#commentsSat, 14 Mar 2015 13:13:21 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=4303There’s a certain Catholic saint’s feast day in March that’s widely celebrated. People of all ethnicities and religions wear green on this day. Here in Chicago, there’s a parade and the Chicago River is even dyed green. It’s a day all about traditions and having a good time and, in some areas of the city, […]

]]>There’s a certain Catholic saint’s feast day in March that’s widely celebrated. People of all ethnicities and religions wear green on this day. Here in Chicago, there’s a parade and the Chicago River is even dyed green. It’s a day all about traditions and having a good time and, in some areas of the city, the celebrations last way longer than just one day. But there’s another Catholic saint’s feast day in March that takes place just two days later. There usually is no fanfare and the average person probably does not even know of the day’s importance. The day I’m speaking of is March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. There is no parade in Chicago, no bodies of water being dyed. There might be a smattering of folks wearing red. Yet, to a great many of us, it’s still a day full of tradition and reflection.

Widely celebrated in Chicago by the Italian-American community, the history of the events associated with St. Joseph’s Day originates in the Middle Ages. The people of Sicily were in the middle of a terrible drought. Out of desperation, they prayed to St. Joseph to bring them rain; in return, they promised to host a huge meal in his honor. Soon enough, the rains came and the land was once again prosperous. As promised, an enormous feast was prepared. So began the tradition of the modern-day St. Joseph’s Table, which takes place annually at churches and Italian-American organizations around Chicagoland. On or around St. Joseph’s Day, parishioners or members donate large amounts of food to the St. Joseph’s Table, much of it homemade and meatless. Members of the community are invited to attend and enjoy the bountiful feast for a monetary donation that, most times, is handed over to organizations that help the needy.

It’s no surprise that yet another Italian-American tradition revolves around food. But for my family and me, it’s another opportunity for us to spend time with friends and family that we don’t get to see very often.

But of course, there is more food involved: the delicious zeppola (plural: zeppole). There are different types of zeppole out there but the one I’m most familiar with and, therefore, most fond of, is a lightly fried pastry filled with custard and topped with a maraschino cherry. We get these “St. Joseph’s cakes” only once a year, around March 19th, so we savor every last bite.

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/st-josephs-day-in-chicago-an-italian-american-tradition/feed/12For the Love of Lincoln: An exciting announcement!https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/love-lincoln-exciting-announcement/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/love-lincoln-exciting-announcement/#commentsWed, 04 Feb 2015 11:09:01 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=4207“Wouldn’t it be cool if….?” How many great ideas start out that way? An idea that may seem a bit outlandish at first but then the more you talk about it, you start believing that it really isn’t so ridiculous and you vow to make it happen? This is exactly how my latest project came about. […]

How many great ideas start out that way? An idea that may seem a bit outlandish at first but then the more you talk about it, you start believing that it really isn’t so ridiculous and you vow to make it happen? This is exactly how my latest project came about. It was an idea born of mutual passion for travel, writing, history, booze, and one prominent historical figure…

My friend, Liz Garibay, and I have known each other since high school (read: a very long time). We went our separate ways for college and post-college life, and reconnected in recent years thanks to the almighty Facebook. We learned that, over the years, we developed similar interests and passions. I was always a writer, but I had started blogging and Liz had done the same. We discovered our mutual affinity for craft beer. Liz had become a real, card-carrying historian, while I developed into a self-proclaimed history geek.

Liz and I began talking about how we could merge our common interests and form a collaboration. After a couple of years of discussion, we had our “wouldn’t it be cool if” idea. Admittedly, I was a bit doubtful at first. But the more we talked about it, the more excited we became and I realized that this really could happen! We put the wheels in motion and, soon after, our “wouldn’t it be cool if” idea was becoming “it’s going to be so cool when”.

So, what’s the big idea? Well, it involves travel, history, Abraham Lincoln, and booze. Yes, booze. Liz and I designed a road trip to celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. From his birthplace to final resting place and everything in between, we will be exploring Lincoln’s past and making important connections to present-day alcohol makers and drinkers. We’ll be visiting four breweries and two bourbon makers to draw the connections to Lincoln’s history. By sharing tales of Abe’s past and area history, and connecting it to the story of local beer and drink, we hope to make our nation’s greatest president even more accessible (and interesting) to younger generations. Essentially, we’ll be Drinkin’ With Lincoln.

If you’ve read some of my latest blog entries or seen recent social media posts, you know that my 5-year-old daughter is obsessed with Mr. Lincoln. She is the main reason I’m involved in this project; she has inspired me to creatively pursue my interests and passions. Liz, on the other hand, is all about that Abe and always has been. I stand to only learn from her, as her knowledge is unending.

Here’s a look at our itinerary:

Start. February 12th (Abe’s birthday!): Depart Chicago.

Stop 1. Kentucky. Abe’s birthplace.

Stop 2. Indiana: Abe’s boyhood home.

Stop 3. Illinois: The beginning of Abe’s journey to the White House and also his final resting place.

End. February 17th: Chicago, our hometown and a city that played an important role in Abe’s political career.

I purposely provided few details of our itinerary so you will have to follow the journey in real time via social media to find out exactly where we’re going and what we’re doing. Follow on Twitter (@LoveofLincoln) and Instagram (@fortheloveoflincoln), hashtag #DrinkinLincoln, as well as our individual Facebook pages (mine, The Working Mom’s Travels; and Liz’s, History On Tap). Last but not least, check our new website, FOR THE LOVE OF LINCOLN, dedicated solely to this journey!

This project could not and would not be possible without the support of our partners. I encourage you to follow them on their respective social media channels and patronize their businesses (where applicable).

]]>https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/love-lincoln-exciting-announcement/feed/17Social Media Week Chicago 2014https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/social-media-week-chicago-smwchicago-smwchitravel/
https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/social-media-week-chicago-smwchicago-smwchitravel/#commentsMon, 22 Sep 2014 19:38:11 +0000https://www.theworkingmomstravels.com/?p=3584Social Media Week Chicago kicks off today and I am thrilled to be a part of it! I will be speaking on a panel tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23rd, along with Janice of SkyChi Travel Guide; Ted of Traveling Ted; and Ana of Traveling Latina. We will be discussing how to use social media to plan […]

Social Media Week Chicago kicks off today and I am thrilled to be a part of it! I will be speaking on a panel tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23rd, along with Janice of SkyChi Travel Guide; Ted of Traveling Ted; and Ana of Traveling Latina. We will be discussing how to use social media to plan travel. Anyone, anywhere can attend our live panel discussion and everyone is invited, regardless of involvement with Social Media Week. How so, you might be asking? Technology and social media, that’s how.

Here are the different ways that you can “attend” and follow along our live panel discussion:

In person. We will be broadcasting live from Goose Island Brewpub at 1800 North Clybourn, 1:00-2:00pm CDT. (Um, you guys, BEER.)

Livestream

YouTube

Twitter. Follow the hashtag #SMWChiTravel and use it to tweet us questions and comments.